SOAP 05/23/2015; Psalm 24:1

Today's reading: Psalm 24

S) "¹ The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it."

Psalm 24:1 (NASB)

O) This is the sovereignty of God, perhaps most simply stated. The LORD created it all, and therefore it all belongs to Him. In this psalm, David started by setting God above all else. He started by describing that the LORD is holy, even if he didn't use the word holy. When there is one before all else, then that is the One. When there is a creator of every other thing that exists, then that is the Creator. Put another way, the LORD is the only existence that was not created. In that sense, He is also the only being that has never owed existence to another. That is how He is holy, and that gives us a glimpse of why He is sovereign.

A) In the rest of this psalm, David made it clear that there was a separation between the LORD and His creation, asking how the two can be reconciled. He made it clear that God expects a certain standard (see v.4), but also he concluded that blessing and righteousness and salvation, were all gifts to be received from the LORD, our God. This bore out through the rest of the Bible and history, as we see Jesus fulfilling that same criteria. The offer of salvation through Jesus Christ is still a gift to be received. Jesus made it clear that He still expects obedience (see John 14:15). Similarly, the sovereignty of the LORD has not changed, either. God is still the Creator. It is both humbling, and comforting, to remember that His character has not changed. As it has been, it still is, and it ever shall be.

P) Father, the earth is Yours, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. You are altogether holy. By Your very will, You created all things. You created things that create things, and all of creation is from You. Thank You, for the things You have created that have not changed. Thank You for trees and sunsets. Thank You for marriage and procreation. Also, thank You for the things Your creation has created. We have many modern advances with things like penicillin and epinephrine pens. We have cameras and vacation days. Everything around me was created, and has its roots in Your creation. You inspire the minds of great inventors, and You created things that simply never got better. And then there are the people You created, who are very much Yours. There are a lot of loved people in my life, who do not have a right relationship with You, Father God. But, I confess that You are good. In Your mercy, soften their hearts to the call of the Holy Spirit. In Your grace, prompt me to obedience in sharing the gospel and incarnating Christ Jesus to them. Let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/22/2015; Psalm 23:4

Today's reading: Psalm 23

S) "⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4 (NASB)

O) This is perhaps the most famous of all of the Psalms. When the whole song is taken into account, we can find that David was praising the LORD for just about every aspect of blessings that are given in life. In order, from v.1 through v.6, he mentions provision, rest, peace, healing, guidance, encouragement, relationship, comfort, victory, anointing, abundance, goodness, love, and communion. It is no wonder this is so popular. There are a few things to bring into context. First of all, David was anointed by Samuel the prophet according to the LORD (i.e., anointed by God) to be king over Israel. Within v.5, the words "You have anointed..." are perhaps more accurately translated, "You anoint..." which gives them an infinitive, ongoing conjugation. This entire Psalm really hinges on that fact, that David was under the blessing of that anointing. The reason I chose the verse above, is because of the last line. Remembering that David related the LORD as his shepherd, we then know that the rod and staff were the shepherd's rod and the shepherd's staff. In that context, the rod and staff were often used to forcibly pull, push, herd a wayward sheep back among the flock. I am not a sheep, but I imagine that could sometimes be painful. But, David saw this as an expression of love and discipline, that would keep him close with his Shepherd. Even if it came with some unease or even pain, it was ultimately a comfort to know that the Shepherd was doing so to keep him in line, because of the love the LORD had for him.

A) This is a very rich song, with many aspects that are worth remembering. On that note, it would be worthwhile to memorize Psalm 23. Even if I do not, though, this particular verse is another strong reminder that the close presence of my Lord is a comfort through the darkest of times. This is a reminder that the discipline of the LORD, or even just the struggles He allows in my life, may very well be to keep me close through otherwise dangerous times (dangerous physically, emotionally, relationally, or other). David drew a lot of confidence from the fact that he had been anointed as king (and perhaps more accurately, was being anointed). Similarly, I am anointed with the Holy Spirit. That really means that this entire psalm could be applicable to my life, in one manner or another. At the least, I am comforted by the proximity of the LORD my God.

P) Father, You have blessed me so much in grace, mercy, and love. Just as this psalm of David reminds me, Your blessings are so beautifully complex, and remarkably complete. In You, I have been given everything I need, and all that I could ever want. Open my eyes and ears, to recognize Your blessings, to know Your ways more. I am humbled and thankful for the way I have been blessed. Remind me, when hard times come, that You are always close. Even in discipline, or unease, You comfort me through circumstances that You have allowed in my life. Through them, I can know that You see me, that You are near, that You have not and will not forsake me. Thank you. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/21/2015; Psalm 22:2-3

Today's reading: Psalm 22

S) "² O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest.
³ Yet You are holy,
O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel."

Psalm 22:2-3 (NASB)

O) At the beginning of this psalm, David was crying out with some shaky-sounding faith. He described ceaseless crying, day and night. The phrase "I have no rest" carries a footnote that says it literally means, "there is no silence for me." David had an educated understanding about crying out to the LORD. Throughout the history of his people, when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, God would answer and deliver them. When the people were enslaved in Egypt, they cried out to the LORD and He delivered them. The expression was used in Judges, every time the people were oppressed, then God would answer and deliver them. But here was David, crying out to the LORD all day and night, with no reprieve, and there was no answer. But then immediately, David acknowledges that none of his circumstances change who God is. He was saying, in essence, that God could choose to answer or not, but the LORD was still God, the same One who is enthroned upon the praises of Israel (which has a footnote: Or inhabit the praises).

A) The first lesson here, is humility. I must remember that God is who He says He is. His character does not change, based on my circumstances. The second lesson, is to persevere. David did not simply cry out all day. He didn't cry for a bit, then take breaks. David cried out all day and night, without silences (or resting). Last, it is not enough for me to will myself to these two conclusions. David took his affirming thoughts further, by actually praising the LORD, calling Him holy, and acknowledging that He is close even if David had no answer from God. These are the truths I need to speak, in the hardest times of my life. These are the truths that will pierce my doubts and keep me close to the LORD, even when I cannot hear His answers. In taking that last point a step further, I must always remember that I can still "hear" God through the reading of His words, according to the holy Bible. While it can be difficult to glean some answers through Scripture (particularly some of the hardest, circumstantial questions), it is still comforting to have the sure words of God. This is even more true, because of the Comforter left to me by Jesus Christ.

P) Father, You are holy. That is perhaps the most pure worship I can offer. You are completely above all You have created - which is everything else that exists. You are wholly different, more magnificent, greater, stronger, wiser, and just more, than all else. Thank You for the affirming surety of the holy Bible. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the reconciliation I have in Christ Jesus, my Savior, that I can be in a right relationship with You. Thank You for the easy times I have experienced. I know that more difficult times are likely ahead of me, but I know You are preparing me, even now. You will sustain me through the hardest, most fierce of storms I may have in life. Help me to persevere in prayer, to keep my faith in Your holiness and eternal promises, given by the redemption I now have through the work of the cross and the power of the gospel. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/20/2015; Psalm 21:7

Today's reading: Psalm 21

S) "⁷ For the king trusts in the LORD,
And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken."

Psalm 21:7 (NASB)

O) Few people understood the way God would dethrone a king, the way David understood. After all, his predecessor was still on the throne when David was anointed as king over Israel. Even after Samuel the prophet anointed him, it was years before he ascended the throne. There were wars, his exile, betrayal, and tragedy. Through all of it, though, David was very firm that it was not his place to remove Saul from power, but that the LORD would accomplish it. He recognized God's sovereign hand in the rise and fall of kings, because he had seen it firsthand. So, when he used the word "shaken," I think he was probably referring to an actual deposing, not just a feeling of being shaken, and not a literal shake. And, the use of the word "trust," I think, encompasses a lot more when it's used with relation to the LORD. when we look at David's predecessor, why was Saul removed, except for a lack of trust. Trusting the LORD means a believing what He said. Believing what He said will mean obeying His commands. That is where Saul went wrong. Back to our verse, we see one more element at work. Even in obedience, belief, and trust, David acknowledged that it is still grace that would keep him enthroned. It was not because of his trust in God, but because of God's lovingkindness. In any covenant, there are terms for both sides. This is the case with God and His children. In the covenant, God has promised certain things to His children, according to various conditions. However, meeting those conditions did not "earn" the promises, because it was still grace in the first place, that God offered a covenant to us to enter with Him.

A) The most obvious response is to trust the LORD! I need to humbly acknowledge His lovingkindness and grace, and let that compel me to more trust in Him. In the New Covenant, Jesus reminded us that His kingdom is not flesh. As such, the authorities He gives are not human, temporal authorities. None of the roles He has for His people are primarily physical. Sure, they play out here, on earth, but they are so much more rich than that. He has eternal plans for us! So, in a (humble) sense, God has offered me a small kingship. I am a husband and dad. Jesus reminds me that being "in charge" is about serving others, not being served. So, I try to approach my role(s) with humble service in mind, trusting in the LORD. Even so, my role on earth will end at some point, but that does not mean my eternal role is shaken. If my identity is found in Christ alone, and I trust in the LORD  then even death cannot shake me.

P) Father, the grace at work in my salvation is humbling. To realize how much grace is still at work, humbles me more, still. In all of Your ways, You have shown Yourself to be trustworthy. So, convict my heart when I am not trusting You as I should. Open my eyes and ears, to know when I am in error, in arrogance, thinking I can live some part of my life without You, however small that part is, Yoy deserve it all, LORD. And, I have proven repeatedly that I am incapable of ruling any part of my own life on my own, regardless of how small. I trust in You. By Your lovingkindness, please keep me from being shaken. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/19/2015; Psalm 18:30

Today's reading: Psalm 18

S) "³⁰ As for God, His way is blameless;
The word of the Lord is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him."

Psalm 18:30 (NASB)

O) This is a relatively lengthy psalm, written when David was delivered from the hand of Saul. The timing of the psalm gives a lot of context to many of David's words, because some of those things would change (like vv.20-24). David's character changed as he ascended the throne of Israel. What has not changed, what doesn't change, is God's character. These three descriptions of God have always been true, and will always be true.

A) My first approach to this must be humility. The Lord is God, I am not God. That alone, makes Him blameless. He is my creator, so how could I ever blame Him? Everything He does is within His rights. Every plan He makes, His will for the order of things, all of it is within His complete sovereignty. He can do nothing wrong, because He created the rules. That brings us to the second line: The established words of God. He has described Himself. He has spoken what will happen. He has promised and warned people of the world (His own people, or others). In all of that, His words have been tried and… refer back to the first line. Finally, while I am firmly founded on the first two principles of this verse (that God is blameless, and proven to be so), the final line plays out a conditional promise. I have every encouragement I need, drawn from all Scripture, for me to take my refuge in Him. And His shield is better than anyone could imagine, even in the most fanciful fictions.

P) Father, You are blameless. You are my Creator, the author and perfector of my faith. Your words are tried and true, and hold life itself. Remind my heart, to return to You over and over, to seek refuge. You have proven Yourself faithful, and true in the Boble, in history, and in my own life. You are worthy of all my praise, all my devotion, all my worship, all my trust. Be glorified in my life. Be famous in my life. I pray that as I turn to You for refuge, and You prove Your shield to be mighty, I pray that Your security, words, and character are made known to all who see me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/18/2015; Psalm 17:8-9

Today's reading: Psalm 17

S) "⁸ Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings
⁹ From the wicked who despoil me, My deadly enemies who surround me."

Psalm 17:8-9 (NASB)

O) David had very real threats to his life and throne. He also had promises from the LORD about the establishment of his kingdom (its success, longevity, etc.). His confidence in life came from his understanding that God cared for him, although he hadn't earned it - a fact he had proven with his own sins. Nevertheless, he knew that he had found favor in the eyes of his Lord, and so he sought to keep that favor, by appealing to his God who wills to give favor or not, according to His grace.

A) There is a sense in me, that asking for favor is not right. However, I see it throughout the scriptures. Appealing to lords and kings, appealing directly to God - the helpless seek favor from those who can help. Maybe one difference is that I do not sense "deadly enemies" in my life. Certainly, I make my requests known to God, but seldom do I think of it in terms of me asking God for me to be favored by Him. That really is what I should be asking, though. Forget the needs I perceive for a moment. If I am the favorite son of my dad, then I will rest in the assurance that he will do everything he can to help me through anything, as long as it is good. Since I am no longer worried about my needs, I can simply enjoy the relationship. So, if the favor of my Father God rests upon me (and certainly through Christ Jesus, there is plenty of scripture to support that), then I should also rest in the trust of His love, provision, and kindness. He will meet my needs, one way or another, and I can simply enjoy His presence, His peace, His relationship. This seems like a core issue. I should be seeking the relationship, not the benefit. In the relationship, I will not worry about my needs, my lack, my perceived deprivation. I will instead be satisfied in Him, not in what He does for me.

P) Father, by Your grace, I have been reconciled to You. Because of Jesus Christ, I found favor in Your sight. Because of that favor, I should not worry about provision or protection. I can let tomorrow worry for itself. Help me to rest in the assurance of Your favor, Father God. Help me instead, to seek a stronger relationship with You. Help me to focus my prayers more on listening, than on asking. Help me to focus on my relationship with You. Soften my heart to Your will. Open my eyes and ears. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/17/2015; Psalm 14:1a

Today's reading: Psalm 14

S) "¹ The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'"

Psalm 14:1a (NASB)

O) This line is not unique, as it appears in a few different Psalms (and a few more, if not verbatim). The fact that this line appears so often (even the concept of it), is driving home the point as a common narrative from the Bible as a whole. In the details of this psalm, David is lamenting his culture's apparent lack of reverence for the LORD. He goes on to mention several ways the people exhibit that truth, but it all starts with its roots in the beginning of the first verse.

A) There are a lot of unbelievers around me. Many of them will try to poke holes in Christian dogma, or pose heavy theological questions. It can be a little overwhelming, to be honest. What David reminds me, though, is that many of the questions and arguments people present, are ancillary in nature. The first question, the most important question, should always be about Jesus Christ. If someone does not believe the diety of Christ, they don't believe in God, and there is no other issue to address. If someone is claiming to be a Christian, claiming that they believe Jesus is God, then I can work from there about other teachings, other disciplines that edify, etc. But, everything hinges first on whether or not a person will even believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and is one with the Father.

P) Father, Your goodness, compassion, and lovingkindness are too good for me to get distracted trying to argue hypothetical circumstances and peripheral issues. Help me to focus my evangelism first on the diety of Your Son. Nothing else will matter, if that is not settled first. Give me wisdom, patience, compassion, and understanding. Above all else, lead me to love those who need to hear the gospel truth. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.